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Adacel™ (dTap) Vaccine-Diphtheria, Tetanus And Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

This page was reviewed or revised on Friday, February 24, 2012 4:15 PM

What is ADACEL™ (dTap) vaccine?

The ADACEL™ (dTap) vaccine protects against 3 diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). It can be given to those 11-64 years of age.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is also called lockjaw. It can happen if dirt with the tetanus germ enters a cut. Even with early treatment, tetanus can be fatal.

 What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a disease of the nose, throat and skin. It can cause breathing troubles, heart failure and nerve damage. It can be fatal.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is called whooping cough. It can infect people of any age. Teens and adults are the most common source of infection for infants and young children. Whooping cough spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.
It can cause spells of violent coughing that lead to vomiting or can cause breathing to stop for a short period of time. The cough can last for weeks and make it hard to eat, drink or breathe.
Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, brain damage and death, most often in babies.

Does ADACEL™ work?

When the correct number of shots are given, more than 85% of people are protected against diphtheria, more than 95% are safe from tetanus and about 85% are guarded from whooping cough. Shots also make these diseases milder for those who may catch them.

Who should get ADACEL™?

The vaccine is FREE for teens 11 – 16 years of age. Shots for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, as a rule, begin in infancy and continue in childhood. Booster shots for diphtheria and tetanus are needed every 10 years. A whooping cough booster is advised for teens and adults. Adults, up to age 64 years, can receive this vaccine for FREE.

Is ADACEL™ (dTap) vaccine safe?

Yes. Serious side effects are rare. Mild pain, swelling and redness are common at the spot where the needle was given. Some may get a mild fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite or feel tired for 1-2 days.
Call your doctor if … any of these signs show up within 3 days after receiving the needle:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing 
• Pale colour
• Very tired
• High fever (over 40ºC or 104ºF)
• Convulsions or seizures
• Other problems

Who should NOT get ADACEL™?

• If you have a fever or infection that is worse than a cold. 
• If you had a reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine.

Questions about ADACEL™?

If you have any questions about the vaccine, talk with your health care provider or call the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331 ext. 3572 or 3530 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.